Optimism (OP) Historical Price and Return Analysis: Should I Buy OP Now?

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive review of Optimism’s (OP) historical price movements and market fluctuations since its inception, combining data from bull and bear market phases to assess the potential returns for investors purchasing 10 OP tokens. Through detailed analysis of multi-year price cycles, this piece aims to answer the critical question: “Should I buy Optimism now?” and help both novice and long-term investors identify optimal entry points and growth potential.

Early Market Cycles: Historical Price Review (2022 to 2026)

Optimism, a low-cost, lightning-fast Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain developed by the Optimism Foundation, entered the market with early recorded trading prices around $1.5. OP serves as the native governance token of the Optimism ecosystem, empowering protocol governance and community decision-making.

The following presents Optimism’s price movements across multiple market cycles:

2022

• Opening Price: $1.5
• Closing Price: $0.9224
• Highest Price: $1.91
• Lowest Price: $0.5088
• Annual Return: -38.51%

2023

• Opening Price: $1.26
• Closing Price: $3.71
• Highest Price: $3.71
• Lowest Price: $1.09
• Annual Return: +193.76%

2024

• Opening Price: $3.17
• Closing Price: $2.09
• Highest Price: $4.54
• Lowest Price: $1.31
• Annual Return: -34.02%

An investor who purchased 10 OP tokens in the early bull market phase of 2023 would see potential returns of -9.549% if liquidated today.

Recent Market Cycles: Should I Buy OP Now? (2025 to 2026)

In recent years, Optimism has experienced significant downward pressure. The following data illustrates price movements in the latest market period:

2025

• Opening Price: $1.78
• Closing Price: $0.3194
• Highest Price: $1.78
• Lowest Price: $0.2722
• Annual Return: -82.07%

2026 (To Date)

• Opening Price: $0.3158
• Closing Price: $0.307
• Highest Price: $0.3235
• Lowest Price: $0.307
• Annual Return: -2.79%

Potential returns for investors purchasing 10 OP tokens during recent periods:

• 2025: -14.747%
• 2026 (To Date): -0.088%

Summary: Market Cycles and Investment Timing Analysis

Through analysis of Optimism’s historical price data and return trajectories from 2022 to 2026, a clear bear market trend is evident, with significant erosion of value across multiple years. The token has declined from early highs of $4.54 in 2024 to current levels near $0.307, reflecting sustained downward pressure. Current investors face a challenging risk-reward environment, requiring careful consideration of whether the present moment represents an accumulation opportunity or if further capitulation remains possible in the ongoing market cycle.